Custom Wedding Gown Finale!

Back in the summer we began creating a custom wedding gown. The original design of the dress was an "a line" dress, straight neckline, and long sleeves. As the dress took shape and fittings were done, the design gradually evolved. The neckline was changed to a slight sweet heart shape, a pleated sash was added to define the waistline, simple beading was added to the bodice and a pick up to the back of the dress. These design elements helped give this dress the simple elegance our bride wanted. After adding those elements we all agreed that more beading on the bodice would be stunning and a beaded train would add the finishing touch. It was amazing to see the transformation this dress took. The bride loved it and it was perfect for her autumn wedding day!

Portland Adventures...

On Friday morning at 7am Victoria, my mom and I started our trip down to Portland, OR. Yes, we were going to Fabric Depot again (and some other fabric stores). 
Our first stop was EE Schenk. This is a wholesaler's warehouse full of all sorts of fabrics, notions, and patterns for sewing and quilting. 

EE Schenck

 After about an hour we met up with Cherie and some other friends and all ventured off together to the Fabric Depot. For the next couple of hours we gathered all sorts of fabrics and trims. We went with quite a long list for specific jobs but also got extra fabric for some children's clothing. We found everything we needed which was quite a relief! Next we headed to the Taylor's for a scrumptious lunch in the sun!

Fabric Depot

Lots of Elastic Lace

 After some of the ladies took off back home, we decided to take a walk along the boardwalk with our sister Naomi and Faith. On a sunny day this is definitely a "must do" in Portland. It was so beautiful! We stopped at a little ice-cream shop and got a double-scoop ice-cream cone. If you want a full portion of ice-cream this is the place to go. Their scoops were huge! I couldn't even finish it. Later we went out to dinner with Sarah then to another friend's house for games...

By the River in Portland

Delicious Ice Cream!

mmm...

 We rested up on Saturday and went fabric shopping again. This time we went to the Mill End first...if you are looking for a wide variety of silks, brocades, wools, jean and homespun fabrics, this is the place to go! Then we went to Fabric Depot again...(we just can't get enough of it!)

The Mill End

The Mill End

 Later we went to a cupcake shop and out to coffee with Elena. It was so nice to be able to fabric shop with a wide variety, and to spend time with our friends in Portland...

Ver, Elena, Vic

The Ride Home

A Productive Memorial Day...

Since it was a holiday yesterday and we had lots to do before our open house this Thursday, we decided it was upgrade day for Bella Jean Boutique...My brothers Chris and Isaac did more of our trim and crown molding in our new area. It's amazing how nice you can make something look with crown molding!

Crown molding!

My dad and I took a trip to our local fabric store and got material for our fitting room curtain, as well as material for a project my dad wanted to do. (I don't think I could have gotten him to go with any other reason). We then headed off to Home Depot to get the materials for a new cutting table in our work area. I was so excited! Our old one had been around a little too long!

Materials for Cutting table

We found a picture of a cutting table we liked and copied it, with our own dimensions. If you want to make one, it actually is pretty easy! All you do is buy 2 cube organizers in the color of your choice. Then we got a melamine board for the table top...we made ours 3.5' x 6'...then we got a trim for around the edge to make the top look thicker.


We assembled the 2 cube organizers first, adding some wood glue in all the dowled areas to make it stronger.

We then placed them in the area we wanted them and set the melamine on the top. We centered it, marked it in case it shifted and began drilling holes up through the cubes into the top. Veronica went behind me and screwed all the screws in (of course using screws that were short enough to not go through the top).

Chris then put the painted trim all the way around in his professional contractor way. My dad painted the backs of the cubes white, as well as touched up the trim! We were done! A couple hour project and there you have a beautiful cutting table and much more needed storage space!

So don't forget to come check out our new area and improvements on Thursday and Friday June 2nd and 3rd from 10am-5pm...

You're Invited!!! June 2nd & 3rd

Come join us for our grand opening of our newly renovated sewing studio and boutique shop. See where we create our unique children’s clothing, home decor items and custom formal and casual apparel. Enjoy our other local sellers handmade jewelry, greeting cards, baby gifts and more. See a variety of our students projects that they created to see the possibilities you could create! Bring a friend and both will receive 20% off your entire purchase!

Let all your friends know about it! We want to make this the biggest turn-out in our company's history!